To what extent was Russia ready for revolution by 1903?
By 1903, there was existing tension that continued to grow amongst the five social classes of the Russian Empire, with the peasants and workers, who comprised 86% (historylearninsite) of the population, growing increasingly discontent with the autocratic regime which the tsar adamantly elected not to reform. Autocracy, under tsar Nicolas II could no longer conceal the rapidly-emerging political, economic and social problems that were crippling Russian cities and their economies.
Under the tsarist regime, autocracy did not allow any opportunity for expression of concern or criticism by the public, essentially silencing those who opposed the tsar, particularly the peasantry and industrial workers. As speaking out against the regime resulted in either imprisonment or exile (most likely to Siberia as there were poor weather conditions; …show more content…
Nicholas II 's financial advisor, Sergei Witte oversaw this project and employed many foreign advisors, workers and designers from other European countries such as The United Kingdom, Germany and France. Witte invested millions of dollars into building roads, factories and railways, with the most significance being the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway which was to connect the east and the west of the empire, if it were to be completed. However, due to the fact that these projects relied heavily on foreign loans, rapid modernisation also meant an increase in taxes and interest rates to subsidise these costs. Furthermore, the emphasis on the modernisation of 'heavy ' industry did not help the agricultural demands of the working class, as they were still forced to employ the use of outdated machinery, meaning Russia capitalised on the use of a cheap labour force and outdated
By 1903, there was existing tension that continued to grow amongst the five social classes of the Russian Empire, with the peasants and workers, who comprised 86% (historylearninsite) of the population, growing increasingly discontent with the autocratic regime which the tsar adamantly elected not to reform. Autocracy, under tsar Nicolas II could no longer conceal the rapidly-emerging political, economic and social problems that were crippling Russian cities and their economies.
Under the tsarist regime, autocracy did not allow any opportunity for expression of concern or criticism by the public, essentially silencing those who opposed the tsar, particularly the peasantry and industrial workers. As speaking out against the regime resulted in either imprisonment or exile (most likely to Siberia as there were poor weather conditions; …show more content…
Nicholas II 's financial advisor, Sergei Witte oversaw this project and employed many foreign advisors, workers and designers from other European countries such as The United Kingdom, Germany and France. Witte invested millions of dollars into building roads, factories and railways, with the most significance being the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway which was to connect the east and the west of the empire, if it were to be completed. However, due to the fact that these projects relied heavily on foreign loans, rapid modernisation also meant an increase in taxes and interest rates to subsidise these costs. Furthermore, the emphasis on the modernisation of 'heavy ' industry did not help the agricultural demands of the working class, as they were still forced to employ the use of outdated machinery, meaning Russia capitalised on the use of a cheap labour force and outdated